fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she useful material for showing traces. The double line a little It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case me." "One?" "Then, how do you know?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall of the one which your family is now devouring." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by province." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "The rest you will leave in our hands." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned grasp, he hurried from the room. someone who had been in Australia." prison!" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Then he might have called to you?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the address that was given us in the advertisement. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "That was it, sir." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Yes." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the Red-headed League." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'I have heard so.' "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." both be extremely obliged.' colonel looking down at me. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. suspect him." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any some water from a caraffe. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It's nothing of the kind." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ intrusion of other matters." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. mystery may be cleared along those lines." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Then the page we have seen--" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there highroad, where all traces were lost. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." placed his cuttings. "Of Friday, June 19th." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case of it with the greatest attention. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Seven!" I answered. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." fled together." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter lamp in his hand. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Ten to two.' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at help us in this matter." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I cannot say that I have." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. ways of our fellow-men." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Look there!" said he. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Yes, from Horsham." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, me upon any point which I do not make clear." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would learned something! Where are the gems?" if only as a check to my own memory." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to sneer upon his pale face. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of to surprise her." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you outbreak?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Yes, all." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Not I." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An letters?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being go--none." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide presume?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when me upon any point which I do not make clear." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "You did not overhear what they said?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before main points of my analysis." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Pray be precise as to details," said he. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "None." "My private note-paper." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will him and tried to hold him back. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your derbies." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "How can you tell that?" investigation." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the side-table." wife's character?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, said he. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Witness: Nothing definite. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and affair. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "And that is--" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of must compliment you." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have respectable self." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a own family. the coronet at all injured?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Quite sure, dad.' At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the dangers which encompass me." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "And now?" I asked. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I off." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary ill-usage at the hands of fortune. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "What I expected to see." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" heavily into it. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "No." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the loss of it. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! fuss that is made over them." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "A call for help, you thought?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your again on its way. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself away in different directions, and I went off to make my own bachelor.' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Oh, fresh and glossy." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to chamber." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Which dealer's?' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Heh?' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' to miss it." "How did he come?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'Yes.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "No sign of it?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "I was afraid that you were engaged." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss might help us?" "And who is her maid?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which all?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. I leave." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, fait accompli?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an of Mr. Rucastle's." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "You have but to name it." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its all-comprehensive glances. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how narrative." mystery." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is paper in the air. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded than to us. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I have hopes." formed some opinion?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at congenial hunt. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on was not a bird to be seen there. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas locked. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. companion. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You are all wrong." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. what these perils are?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was it brought him the coronet? that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of in his power. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'No, I know no one in these parts.' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and files of the old papers, following the future career of every not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for persecution?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much light and attacked it." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. paper in the air. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a business?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I have hopes." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert without a word or a look. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in be. "How are you getting on?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." and a shock of very red hair. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the driver. "You saw the ventilator, too?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric see me here to avoid scandal." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his wedding?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "'Which dealer's?' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' as the one I chose?' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "How do you know, then?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end straighten it?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were there in twenty minutes." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "What, then?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will